THE IMPACT OF JET LAG
Caucasian businessman napping in airport

THE IMPACT OF JET LAG

Jet lag mainly impacts your circadian rhythm which is responsible for regulating hormones, temperature sleep and digestion. A sudden change in how your internal clock works, causes jet lag which is characterized by increased sleep disorders such as insomnia. Jet lag can affect your health but for the short term as the body gets used to the new time zones eventually alleviating the effects. The common symptoms of impacts of jet lag are insomnia or difficulty sleeping, headaches, feeling drowsy, extreme fatigue, irritability, mood swings, decreased focus, and stomach issues. 

Tips for Combatting It

Stay hydrated

Drinking more water after travelling for longer hours can lower the body dehydration and improve jet lag symptoms. Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks or alcohol to prevent further dehydration.

Get more sleep

You can opt to sleep while travelling on the plane or immediately after alighting to help your body adapt easily to the different time zone.

Bask in the sun

Getting adequate exposure to the sun can better your sleep-wake cycles and increase alertness to fight off the irritating symptoms.

Mind what you eat

Avoid unfamiliar foods, eat sensibly and opt for foods that your body is used to digest to lower the digestive problems from being jet lagged.

Charlotte Cremers
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MS, University of Tartu
Sleep specialist

Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.

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